Hockey
Canucks Magic Number 7
Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced the selection of the following players in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Jake Virtanen sixth, centre Jared McCann 24th, goaltender Thatcher Demko 36th, defenceman Nikita Tryamkin 66th, defenceman Gustav Forsling 126th overall, centre Kyle Pettit 156th and defenceman MacKenzie Stewart 186th in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Right wing Linden Vey from the Los Angeles Kings was also acquired in exchange for Vancouver’s 50th selection in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Virtanen, 17, collected 71 points (45-26-71) and 100 penalty minutes in 2013.14 with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League. He finished fifth in the league in goals scored.
McCann, 18, finished second on Sault Ste. Marie in goals (27) and points (62) during the 2013.14 season.
In 2012.13, he received Ontario Hockey League All-Rookie Second Team honors after recording 44 points (21-23-44) in 64 games.
Demko, 18, backstopped Boston College to a Frozen Four appearance in his freshman year, stopping 29 shots for the Eagles in their 4-3 victory over UMass Lowell during the NCAA Northeast Regional Final.
In the Frozen Four semifinals, they were defeated 5-4 by Union College, who went on to win the National Championship.
Tryamkin, 19, spent the 2013.14 season with Yekaterinburg, collecting seven points (1-6-7) and 38 penalty minutes in 45 games.
He also represented Russia at the 2014 World Junior Championship where he recorded three points (1-2-3) in seven games.
Forsling, 18, played for Linkoping in 2013.14, collecting 18 points (6-12-18) in 44 games and played for Team Sweden at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
Pettit, 18, played for Erie of the OHL in 2013.14, recording 10 points (5-5-10) in 53 games played.
Stewart, 18, played for Prince Albert of the WHL in 2013.14. He recorded nine points (5-4-9) and 69 penalty minutes in 55 games.
Thanks to the Canucks media department for the info.